Antique Kirman Carpet
An antique kirman carpet brings the sophisticated floral artistry of South Persia into a room.
Antique Kirman Carpet
An antique kirman carpet represents the refined weaving tradition of South Persia. These floor coverings span formats from small mats and narrow runners to room sizes and oversized floor coverings.
The selection here encompasses pieces dating from the nineteenth century through the early decades of the twentieth century. Buyers encounter traditional Persian compositions alongside specialised formats like prayer rugs and repeat floral boteh designs.
Characteristics of Quality
Distinctions in quality arise from the density of the knotting and the crispness of the drawn floral motifs. Finer examples display meticulous execution in complex designs such as millefleurs prayer patterns.
Condition also influences the standing of a textile, with some pieces showing heavy distress while others retain a fine pile. The proportion of the format, from standard room sizes to exceptionally long runners, shapes the character of each piece.
Antique Kirman Carpet Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for kirman carpet among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Some runners arrive with exceptionally long narrow proportions, perfect for pacing down a grand hallway.
Lavar Kirman
The Antique Kirman Carpet Glossary
- Lavar
- A specific designation often associated with finer, older production from the region. These pieces typically exhibit particularly delicate floral work.
- Boteh
- A traditional almond or pear-shaped motif with a curved upper end. This ancient design appears frequently in repeat patterns across the field.
- Millefleurs
- A decorative style filled with a multitude of small flowers. It creates a dense, garden-like visual field across the textile.
- Prayer rug
- A small format featuring a mihrab or arch design indicating the direction of prayer. These pieces served a devotional function.
- Foundation
- The underlying structural grid of warps and wefts that holds the pile knots in place. Cotton serves as the standard material for this framework.
Antique Kirman Carpet: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right size?
Consider the dimensions of your room and the intended furniture arrangement. Smaller mats and runners suit hallways or compact spaces, while oversized formats anchor larger reception rooms.
Measure your floor space carefully, leaving a border of exposed flooring around the edges. This frames the textile properly within the interior layout.
Where were these carpets made?
These pieces originate from Kirman and the surrounding district in South Persia. The local workshops developed a distinct aesthetic focused on botanical and floral compositions.
Master weavers in this region utilised regional wool and traditional techniques to produce distinctive floor coverings for both domestic use and export.
How should I care for a distressed piece?
Distressed textiles require gentle handling and minimal friction to preserve the remaining pile. Use a smooth suction vacuum without a rotating brush bar to remove surface dust.
Position a suitable underlay beneath the textile to prevent slipping and cushion the aged cotton foundation against hard flooring.
What is a millefleurs design?
A millefleurs design incorporates a dense field filled with countless tiny floral motifs. This intricate style draws the eye into a detailed botanical landscape.
Weavers executed these complex patterns to showcase exceptional technical skill and artistic refinement in the finished textile.